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Tan VZ, Teo YH, Wu J, Ong PH. Care transition processes in the Singapore healthcare system: process mapping and perspectives of private primary care practitioners. Singapore Med J 2023:388832. [PMID: 37929563 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2021-446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Varen Zhi Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yao Hao Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jiaxuan Wu
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pang Hao Ong
- Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore
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Sum G, Sim SYH, Chay J, Ho SH, Ginting ML, Lim ZZB, Yoong J, Wong CH. An Integrated Patient-Centred Medical Home (PCMH) Care Model Reduces Prospective Healthcare Utilisation for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Complex Needs: A Matched Observational Study in Singapore. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6848. [PMID: 37835116 PMCID: PMC10572627 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The global ageing population is associated with increased health service use. The PCMH care model integrates primary care and home-based care management to deliver comprehensive and personalised healthcare to community-dwelling older adults with bio-psycho-social needs. We examined if an integrated PCMH reduced healthcare utilisation burden of older persons in Singapore. We compared the healthcare utilisation between the intervention group and coarsened exact matched controls for a follow-up of 15 months. Baseline matching covariates included socio-demographics, health status, and past healthcare use. We accounted for COVID-19 social distancing effects on health-seeking behaviour. The intervention group consisted of 165 older adults with complex needs. We analysed national administrative healthcare utilisation data from 2017 to 2020. We applied multivariable zero-inflated regression modelling and presented findings stratified by high (CCI ≥ 5) and low disease burden (CCI < 5). Compared to controls, there were significant reductions in emergency department (β = -0.85; 95%CI = -1.55 to -0.14) and primary care visits (β = -1.70; 95%CI = -2.17 to -1.22) and a decrease in specialist outpatient visits (β = -0.29; 95%CI = -0.64 to 0.07) in the 3-month period immediately after one-year enrolment. The number of acute hospitalisations remained stable. Compared to controls, the intervention group with high and low comorbidity burden had significant decreases in primary care use, while only those with lower comorbidity burden had significant reductions in utilisation of other service types. An integrated PCMH appears beneficial in reducing healthcare utilisation for older persons with complex needs after 1 year in the programme. Future research can explore longer-term utilisation and scalability of the care model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Sum
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (S.Y.H.S.); (S.H.H.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Silvia Yu Hui Sim
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (S.Y.H.S.); (S.H.H.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Junxing Chay
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore;
| | - Soon Hoe Ho
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (S.Y.H.S.); (S.H.H.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Mimaika Luluina Ginting
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (S.Y.H.S.); (S.H.H.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Zoe Zon Be Lim
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (S.Y.H.S.); (S.H.H.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Joanne Yoong
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (S.Y.H.S.); (S.H.H.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.)
- Research for Impact, Singapore 159964, Singapore
| | - Chek Hooi Wong
- Research for Impact, Singapore 159964, Singapore
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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Foo CD, Yan JY, Chan ASL, Yap JCH. Identifying Key Themes of Care Coordination for Patients with Chronic Conditions in Singapore: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111546. [PMID: 37297686 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A projected rise in patients with complex health needs and a rapidly ageing population will place an increased burden on the healthcare system. Care coordination can bridge potential gaps during care transitions and across the care continuum to facilitate care integration and the delivery of personalised care. Despite having a national strategic vision of improving care integration across different levels of care and community partners, there is no consolidation of evidence specifically on the salient dimensions of care coordination in the Singapore healthcare context. Hence, this scoping review aims to uncover the key themes that facilitate care coordination for patients with chronic conditions in Singapore to be managed in the community while illuminating under-researched areas in care coordination requiring further exploration. The databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Results from Google Scholar were also included. Two independent reviewers screened articles in a two-stage screening process based on the Cochrane scoping review guidelines. Recommendation for inclusion was indicated on a three-point scale and rating conflicts were resolved through discussion. Of the 5792 articles identified, 28 were included in the final review. Key cross-cutting themes such as having standards and guidelines for care programmes, forging stronger partnerships across providers, an interoperable information system across care interfaces, strong programme leadership, financial and technical resource availabilities and patient and provider-specific factors emerged. This review also recommends leveraging these themes to align with Singapore's national healthcare vision to contain rising healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan De Foo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Jia Yin Yan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Audrey Swee Ling Chan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Jason C H Yap
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore
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Chen ATH, Koh GCH, Fong NP, Lim JFY, Hildon ZJL. Evaluating the Effects of Capacity Building Initiatives and Primary Care Networks in Singapore: Outcome Harvesting of System Changes to Chronic Disease Care Delivery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2192. [PMID: 36767558 PMCID: PMC9915000 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The high tertiary healthcare utilisation in Singapore due to an ageing population and increasing chronic disease load has resulted in the establishment of primary care networks (PCNs) for private general practitioners (GPs) to provide team-based, community care for chronic diseases. A total of 22 PCN leaders and programme managers from 10 PCNs participated in online group discussions and a survey. Outcome harvesting was used to retrospectively link the intended and unintended outcomes to the programme initiatives and intermediate results (IRs). The outcomes were generated, refined and verified before shortlisting for analysis. About 134 positive and 22 negative PCN outcomes were observed since inception in 2018. By establishing PCN headquarters and entrusting PCN leaders with the autonomy to run these, as well as focusing policy direction on GP onboarding, GP engagements and clinical governance, the programme successfully harnessed the collective capabilities of GPs. Developments in the organisation (IR1) and monitoring and evaluation (IR4) were the top two contributors for positive and negative outcomes. Sustainable practice and policy changes represented 46% and 20% of the positive outcomes respectively. Sustainable positive outcomes were predominantly contributed by funding, clear programme policy direction and oversight. Conversely, most negative outcomes were due to the limited programme oversight especially in areas not covered by the programme policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Teik Hong Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, and National University Health Systems, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Gerald Choon-Huat Koh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, and National University Health Systems, Singapore 117549, Singapore
- Future Primary Care, Ministry of Health Office of Healthcare Transformation (MOHT), Singapore 099253, Singapore
| | - Ngan Phoon Fong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, and National University Health Systems, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Jeremy Fung Yen Lim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, and National University Health Systems, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Zoe Jane-Lara Hildon
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, and National University Health Systems, Singapore 117549, Singapore
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Surendran S, Foo CD, Matchar DB, Ansah JP, Car J, Koh GCH. Developing integration among stakeholders in the primary care networks of Singapore: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:782. [PMID: 35706015 PMCID: PMC9198200 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrating healthcare services across and between the different health system levels can be achieved in a few ways; however, examining the social side of integration is essential and challenging. This paper explores the concept of integration perceived by general practitioners (GPs) and primary care network (PCN) representatives from the regional health systems (RHS) in a GP-RHS PCN and their perceived partnership success. METHODS In this study, we explored three GP-RHS PCNs in Singapore. We used a qualitative research design and, overall, performed 17 semi-structured in-depth interviews with GPs (n = 11) and PCN representatives (n = 6) from the RHS. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. We conducted thematic analysis to inductively identify themes from the data. Singer's conceptual model of integration types was used as guiding principles to derive relevant and salient themes for integration. RESULTS GPs and the RHS perceived the concept of integration through a series of interrelated strategies. Within the normative dimension, a sense of urgency motivated GPs to integrate improvements into their general practice. Participants perceived teamwork and relational climate as appropriate enablers for achieving interpersonal integration in a primary care partnership. While developing a trusted relationship was a perceived success of this partnership across the network, developing camaraderie and gaining knowledge in chronic disease management through the components of functional integration was a perceived success at an individual general practice level. The data also revealed some operational challenges within the structural dimension and some inabilities of the PCN to achieve complete process integration. CONCLUSIONS Our study points to multi-faceted integration, comprising various forms that need to be manifested at all levels of care to achieve coordinated, seamless, and comprehensive care for patients suffering from chronic conditions. The present iteration of the PCN has been shown to offer integration at a level that warrants praise but still requires structural and process integration improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Surendran
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Health Systems and Behavioral Sciences Domain, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chuan De Foo
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Health Systems and Behavioral Sciences Domain, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Bruce Matchar
- grid.428397.30000 0004 0385 0924Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John Pastor Ansah
- grid.428397.30000 0004 0385 0924Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Josip Car
- grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gerald Choon Huat Koh
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Health Systems and Behavioral Sciences Domain, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Reply to Ngoh et al. Comment on "Surendran et al. The Missed Opportunity of Patient-Centered Medical Homes to Thrive in an Asian Context. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1817". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084686. [PMID: 35457553 PMCID: PMC9030834 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Ngoh S, Tang WE, Chng E, Chong PN. Comment on Surendran et al. The Missed Opportunity of Patient-Centered Medical Homes to Thrive in an Asian Context. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1817. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084683. [PMID: 35457551 PMCID: PMC9027281 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ngoh
- Parkway Shenton Pte Ltd., 20 Bendemeer Road #05-04, Singapore 339914, Singapore;
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (W.E.T.)
| | - Wern Ee Tang
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, 3 Fusionopolis Link, Nexus@One-North, #05-10, Singapore 138543, Singapore;
- Correspondence: (S.N.); (W.E.T.)
| | - Edwin Chng
- Parkway Shenton Pte Ltd., 20 Bendemeer Road #05-04, Singapore 339914, Singapore;
| | - Phui-Nah Chong
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, 3 Fusionopolis Link, Nexus@One-North, #05-10, Singapore 138543, Singapore;
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Lim ZZB, Mohamed Kadir M, Ginting ML, Vrijhoef HJM, Yoong J, Wong CH. Early Implementation of a Patient-Centered Medical Home in Singapore: A Qualitative Study Using Theory on Diffusion of Innovations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111160. [PMID: 34769680 PMCID: PMC8583400 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) has been found to improve care for complex needs patients in some countries but has not yet been widely adopted in Singapore. This study explored the ground-up implementation of a PCMH in Singapore by describing change strategies and unpacking initial experience and perception. In-depth interviews were conducted for twenty-two key informants from three groups: the implementers, their implementation partners, and other providers. “Diffusion of innovations” emerged as an overarching theory to contextualize PCMH in its early implementation. Three core “innovations” differentiated the PCMH from usual primary care: (i) team-based and integrated care; (ii) empanelment; and (iii) shared care with other general practitioners. Change strategies employed to implement these innovations included repurposing pre-existing resources, building a partnership to create supporting infrastructure and pathways in the delivery system, and doing targeted outreach to introduce the PCMH. Initial experience and perception were characterized by processes to “adopt” and “assimilate” the innovations, which were identified as challenging due to less predictable, self-organizing behaviors by multiple players. To work with the inherent complexity and novelty of the innovations, time, leadership, standardized methods, direct communication, and awareness-building efforts are needed. This study was retrospectively registered (Protocol ID: NCT04594967).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Zon Be Lim
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (M.M.K.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.); (C.H.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mumtaz Mohamed Kadir
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (M.M.K.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.); (C.H.W.)
| | - Mimaika Luluina Ginting
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (M.M.K.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.); (C.H.W.)
| | | | - Joanne Yoong
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (M.M.K.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.); (C.H.W.)
- Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern Carolina, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Research for Impact, Singapore 159964, Singapore
| | - Chek Hooi Wong
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore 768024, Singapore; (M.M.K.); (M.L.G.); (J.Y.); (C.H.W.)
- Tsao Foundation, Singapore 168730, Singapore
- Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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Impact of a patient-centered medical home demonstration on quality of life and patient activation for older adults with complex needs in Singapore. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:435. [PMID: 34301199 PMCID: PMC8299640 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) demonstration in Singapore was launched in November 2016, which aimed to deliver integrated and patient-centered care for patients with bio-psycho-social needs. Implementation was guided by principles of comprehensiveness, coordinated care, shared decision-making, accessible services, and quality and safety. We aimed to investigate the impact of implementing the PCMH in primary care on quality of life (QoL) and patient activation. METHODS The study design was a prospective single-arm pre-post study. We applied the 5-level EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D-5L) and Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS) instruments to assess health-related QoL. The CASP-19 tool was utilised to examine the degree that needs satisfaction was fulfilled in the domains of Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation, and Pleasure. The 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) was used to evaluate knowledge, skills and confidence in management of conditions and ability to self-care. Multivariable linear regression models with random intercepts were applied to examine the impact of the PCMH intervention on outcome measures at 3 months and 6 months post-enrolment, compared to baseline. RESULTS We analysed 165 study participants enrolled into the PCMH from November 2017 to April 2020, with mean age 77 years (SD: 9.9). Within-group pre-post (6 months) EQ-5D-5L Index (β= -0.01, p-value = 0.35) and EQ VAS score (β=-0.03, p-value = 0.99) had no change. Compared to baseline, there were improvements in CASP-19 total score at 3 months (β = 1.34, p-value = 0.05) and 6 months post-enrolment (β = 1.15, p-value = 0.08) that were marginally out of statistical significance. There was also a significant impact of the PCMH on the CASP-19 Pleasure domain (β = 0.62, p = 0.03) at 6 months post-enrolment, compared to baseline. We found improved patient activation from a 15.2 % reduction in the proportion of participants in lower PAM levels, and a 23.4 and 16.7 % rise in proportion for higher PAM levels 3 and 4, respectively, from 3 months to 6 months post-enrolment. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary demonstration of the PCMH model shows evidence of improved needs satisfaction and patient activation, with potential to have a greater impact after a longer intervention duration.
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